Mushroom, Leek, and Fontina Gratin

Rye breadcrumbs add a bold flavor that complements the meaty mushrooms. If you don’t have dry vermouth to deglaze the skillet, dry white wine or chicken or vegetable broth will do the trick.

• 
  
  2 oz. (4 Tbs.) unsalted butter; more at room temperature for the dish
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. medium to large white mushrooms, quartered (8-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  4 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. mixed “wild” mushrooms (such as oyster and shiitake), trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces (7 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups coarse fresh rye breadcrumbs
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. coarsely grated fontina (1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  3 medium to large leeks, trimmed, white and light-green parts only, cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 2 cups), and rinsed well
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup dry vermouth
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  4 sprigs fresh sage, plus 1 Tbs. chopped fresh sage leaves
  
  

Position racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F. Butter a 9x13-inch (or similar) baking dish.

In a large bowl, toss the white mushrooms with 2 Tbs. of the oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Spread the white mushrooms evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Toss the “wild” mushrooms with the remaining 2 Tbs. oil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper in the bowl and spread on a second large rimmed baking sheet. Roast, stirring the mushrooms and rotating the baking sheets once, until golden-brown and any liquid has evaporated, about 25 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F.

Meanwhile, melt 2 Tbs. of the butter and pour into a medium bowl. Add the breadcrumbs and fontina and toss well.

In a 12-inch skillet, melt the remaining 2 Tbs. butter over medium heat. Add the leeks and 1 tsp. salt and cook, stirring often with a wooden spatula, until golden, 7 to 10 minutes. Add the vermouth and boil, stirring and scraping up any browned bits, until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, sage sprigs, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper and bring just to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium low and simmer for 5 minutes to infuse. Remove the pan from the heat and discard the sage sprigs.

Add the mushrooms and chopped sage to the leek mixture and toss to coat. Transfer to the prepared dish. Top with the breadcrumb mixture and bake in the top third of the oven until the breadcrumbs are golden-brown, about 30 minutes.

Let rest for 15 minutes before serving.

Mushroom Salad with Lemon, Thyme, and Parmigiano

Make this delicious yet simple salad just before serving, since the longer the mushrooms marinate, the more liquid they’ll release. Pair with roast chicken or broiled steak.

• 
  
  1 large lemon
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. minced shallot (about 1 small)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. coarsely chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1/3 cup plus 1 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. button mushrooms, cleaned, trimmed, and sliced 1/4 inch thick
  
  


• 
  
  Scant 1/2 cup shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano (use a vegetable peeler)
  
  

Finely grate 1 tsp. zest from the lemon and then squeeze 2 Tbs. of juice. In a large serving bowl, mix the zest and juice with the shallot, parsley, thyme, nutmeg, 1-1/2 tsp. salt, and a few grinds of pepper. Whisk in the olive oil. Add the mushrooms and stir gently to coat. Let the salad marinate for 10 minutes.


Just before serving, stir the mushrooms again, season to taste with salt and pepper, and scatter the Parmigiano on top.

Corn & Mushroom Sauté with Leeks & Pancetta

• 
  
  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 oz. thinly sliced pancetta (4 to 5 slices)
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup small-diced leeks (white and light-green parts only, from 1 large leek)
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
  
  


• 
  
  2 generous cups medium-diced cremini mushrooms (about 6 oz.)
  
  


• 
  
  2 slightly heaping cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 medium ears)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  1 to 2 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh thyme or oregano
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  One-quarter lemon
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. heavy cream
  
  

Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the pancetta and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until light golden and crisp, 5 to 7 min. Transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium and carefully add 1 Tbs. of the butter to the fat. When melted, add the leeks and 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the pancetta, until the leeks are softened and slightly shrunken, 3 to 5 min. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 2 min.

Add another 1 Tbs. of the butter, the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil, the mushrooms, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and a little shrunken (they will have given off a good bit of liquid), 3 to 4 min. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are lightly browned, 2 to 3 min. (the bottom of the pan will be quite brown).

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and the corn. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the corn is tender but still slightly toothy to the bite, 3 to 4 min. (It will begin to intensify in color, glisten, and be somewhat shrunken in size, and the bottom of the pan will be brown.)

Remove the pan from the heat, add the fresh herbs, a few generous grinds of pepper, and a good squeeze of the lemon. Stir in the heavy cream. Let sit a minute or two and stir again, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan (moisture released from the vegetables as they sit will loosen the bits). Season to taste with more salt, pepper, or lemon. Crumble the reserved pancetta over top and serve warm.

Sautéed Celery with Leeks and Mushrooms

This savory sauté tastes just like Thanksgiving stuffing, but without the bread. Serve it alongside roasted chicken.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium leek, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise (white and light-green parts)
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. cremini (baby bella) mushrooms, quartered
  
  


• 
  
  6 medium celery stalks, sliced 1/2 inch thick on the diagonal
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. fresh lemon juice
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. chopped fresh sage
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. lower-salt chicken broth or water
  
  

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the oil, leek, and a pinch of salt; cook, stirring often, until just tender, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt and cook until the mushrooms are lightly browned and tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the celery and a pinch of salt and cook until crisp-tender, 5 to 8 minutes. With a wooden spoon, stir in the lemon juice and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the rosemary and sage and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the parsley and season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Return the pan to medium heat, add the chicken broth or water, and scrape up any remaining bits. Let the liquid reduce by half and then pour over the celery. Serve immediately.

Mushroom-Asparagus Risotto

Baldo rice is a great pick for this simple springtime risotto because it releases enough starch as it cooks to warrant only frequent—not constant—stirring, making this less labor intensive than most risottos.

• 
  
  7 cups lower-salt chicken or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cups minced shallots
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  7 oz. white, cremini, oyster, or portobello mushrooms, stemmed, cleaned, and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  12-1/4 oz. (1-3/4 cups) Turkish baldo rice
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. medium asparagus spears (about 10), trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1 cup using a rasp grater)
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Put the broth in a 3-quart saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat; lower the heat to maintain a simmer.

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-duty 5- to 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, raise the heat to high, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add the rice, and cook, stirring often, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Add the wine and cook, stirring, until most of it is absorbed, about 30 seconds.

Stir about 1-1/2 cups of the simmering broth into the rice. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the broth is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add another 1-1/2 cups broth and cook, stirring frequently, until most of it is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Repeat the process once or twice more, tasting the rice every few minutes after the third broth addition until it’s just shy of firm to the bite but without a crunchy center, about 12 minutes after the first addition of broth.

Stir in the asparagus and 1 cup broth. Cover, lower the heat to the low, and cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the rice is tender but with some resistance, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and fold in the cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and serve right away, sprinkled with black pepper.

Cabbage and Mushroom Pierogi (Pierogi z Kapusta i Grzybami)

These meatless pierogi are a Christmas tradition but they're delicious on any cold night; they can be served either boiled or fried.

For the filling

• 
  
  1 oz. dried porcini mushrooms
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1 2-lb. bag refrigerated sauerkraut
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. (2 Tbs.) unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

For the dough

• 
  
  2 lb. (7 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups warm water
  
  

Make the filling

Put the mushrooms in a small saucepan with 2 cups water and a pinch of salt; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook the mushrooms until tender, about 15 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, lift the mushrooms out of the liquid, transfer to a cutting board, and chop them. Strain the liquid though a fine sieve lined with a damp paper towel set over a small bowl. Rinse and drain the sauerkraut in a colander, pressing on it to release as much liquid as possible.

Melt 1 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring often, until golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sauerkraut, mushrooms, and the mushroom cooking liquid. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until the liquid has evaporated and the sauerkraut is dry, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and cook, stirring often, until the flavors are blended, about 2 minutes more. Let cool to room temperature before using.

Make the dough

Put the flour in a large bowl. Add the butter and, using your fingers, work it into the flour until the mixture has the texture of coarse meal. Still using your fingers, add 1-3/4 cups of the warm water, stirring until the mixture begins to come together. If the mixture is dry, you can add up to 1/4 cup more warm water, a tablespoon at a time, until it forms a cohesive yet shaggy mass. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured work surface, and then gently knead it just until soft and elastic; the dough will not be completely smooth, but it should be easy to shape, with a Play-Doh like consistency. Avoid overkneading, or the dough will become tough. (At this point you can proceed with the recipe or let the dough rest on a floured surface, covered with a clean dishtowel, for up to 1 hour.)

Roll and cut the dough

Divide the dough into 6 grapefruit-size balls (about 8 oz. each). Working with 1 piece of dough at a time on a floured work surface, and keeping the others covered so they don’t dry out, roll the dough into a 10- to 11-inch wide, 1/8-inch-thick circle. Using a floured 3-inch round cookie cutter or inverted glass, cut out circles of dough. Transfer the dough circles to a large parchment-lined baking sheet dusted with flour. Dust with a little more flour and top with another sheet of parchment so they don’t dry out. Repeat with the remaining dough, stacking the circles between sheets of floured parchment and re-rolling the scraps until all of the dough is used.

Fill the dough

Working with 1 dough circle at a time, brush off any excess flour and hold the circle in your palm. Spoon a scant 1 Tbs. of the filling into the center of the circle and fold it in half. Using your fingers, tightly pinch the edges together to seal and create a 1/2-inch border. Arrange the filled pierogi on a lightly floured surface or large rimmed baking sheet and dust very lightly with flour; loosely cover with plastic wrap or a clean dishtowel. Repeat with the remaining dough circles and filling.

Cook the pierogi

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 175°F. Bring a 6- to 8-quart pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Working in batches of 10 to 12, drop the pierogi into the boiling water and give them a gentle stir so they don’t stick together or to the sides of the pot. When they float to the top 5 (after 1 to 2 minutes for room temperature pierogi, 3 to 4 minutes for refrigerated, and 7 to 10 minutes for frozen), use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a platter and keep warm in the oven while cooking the remaining batches.

Serve the pierogi

You can serve the pierogi either boiled or fried. For boiled pierogi, melt the butter in a 1- to 2-quart saucepan. Drizzle the pierogi with the melted butter. Serve hot with the sour cream on the side. For fried pierogi, melt 4 Tbs. of the butter in a 12-inch heavy-duty skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches of 10 to 12, cook the boiled pierogi, flipping once, until golden-brown and crusty on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Transfer to another platter and keep warm in the oven. Repeat, adding more butter as needed. Serve the pierogi with sour cream on the side.

Broccoflower and Cremini Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary

I love the lime-green color and sweet, nutty flavor of Broccoflower (aka green cauliflower), but you can also use white cauliflower in this earthy and fragrant side dish. For the best browning, cut the florets so that they have a flat side.

• 
  
  1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium Broccoflower (or cauliflower), cut into 1- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  10 oz. cremini mushrooms, trimmed and halved if small, quartered if large (about 3 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  10 large cloves garlic, peeled and halved lengthwise
  
  


• 
  
  3 4-inch rosemary sprigs
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  

Combine the vinegar, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the Broccoflower, mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the florets start to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Uncover, turn the heat down to low, and cook, stirring occasionally and then pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vinegar mixture and the butter. Stir gently until the butter has melted. Discard the rosemary sprigs and season to taste with more lemon juice and salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.

Mushroom-Asparagus Risotto

Baldo rice is a great pick for this simple springtime risotto because it releases enough starch as it cooks to warrant only frequent—not constant—stirring, making this less labor intensive than most risottos.

• 
  
  7 cups lower-salt chicken or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cups minced shallots
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  7 oz. white, cremini, oyster, or portobello mushrooms, stemmed, cleaned, and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  12-1/4 oz. (1-3/4 cups) Turkish baldo rice
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. medium asparagus spears (about 10), trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1 cup using a rasp grater)
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Put the broth in a 3-quart saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat; lower the heat to maintain a simmer.

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-duty 5- to 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, raise the heat to high, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add the rice, and cook, stirring often, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Add the wine and cook, stirring, until most of it is absorbed, about 30 seconds.

Stir about 1-1/2 cups of the simmering broth into the rice. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the broth is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add another 1-1/2 cups broth and cook, stirring frequently, until most of it is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Repeat the process once or twice more, tasting the rice every few minutes after the third broth addition until it’s just shy of firm to the bite but without a crunchy center, about 12 minutes after the first addition of broth.

Stir in the asparagus and 1 cup broth. Cover, lower the heat to the low, and cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the rice is tender but with some resistance, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and fold in the cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and serve right away, sprinkled with black pepper.

Panang Curry with Chicken, Asparagus, and Mushrooms

Fragrant, peanut-laced Panang curry paste and coconut milk become the foundation for this quick curry.
Create your own custom Thai curry with the Recipe Maker.

• 
  
  1 (13.5- to 14-oz.) can coconut milk, more for garnish
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup Panang curry paste
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup lower-salt chicken broth, or homemade chicken or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. light brown sugar or light brown palm sugar; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. fish sauce; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. boneless chicken thighs or legs, cut into 1/4-thick bite-size strips
  
  


• 
  
  6 whole fresh or thawed frozen wild lime leaves (or substitute 1 tsp. finely grated lime zest)
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups bite-size asparagus pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 cups oyster mushrooms, pulled apart into bite-size pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup loosely packed chopped fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
  
  


• 
  
  Fresh red chiles, cut into 1/8-inch strips or sliced into rings, for garnish
  
  

Shake the can of coconut milk or stir it well (this creates a consistent thickness, since the fat often solidifies at the top of the can).


In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan or wok over medium heat, simmer 1/2 cup of the coconut milk, stirring occasionally, until reduced by about half, 3 to 5 minutes. It will get very thick and shiny and may or may not separate; either is fine.


Add the curry paste, whisk well, and cook, continuing to whisk, for 1 minute. Whisk in the broth, sugar, fish sauce, and remaining coconut milk. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.


Add the chicken and lime leaves, and continue to simmer, adjusting the heat as necessary. After 2 minutes, add the asparagus and oyster mushrooms and continue to simmer until everything is tender and cooked through, about 3 more minutes.


Remove the curry from the heat. Season to taste with more sugar and fish sauce, and stir in the cilantro. Transfer to a serving bowl (or serve right out of the pot). Remove the lime leaves or tell your guests to eat around them. Garnish with the red chiles and a drizzle of coconut milk.

Stir-Fried Asparagus and Shiitake with Ginger and Sesame

Pre-sliced shiitake from the produce section of the supermarket will save you time when prepping the ingredients for this savory stir-fry. Serve with rice for a vegetarian main course, or with shrimp or steak.

• 
  
  3 Tbs. canola oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. asparagus, trimmed of tough, woody stems, and cut on an angle into 2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  7 oz. sliced shiitake mushrooms
  
  


• 
  
  4 medium scallions, trimmed and cut on an angle into 2-inch pieces (halve large whites lengthwise)
  
  


• 
  
  4  medium cloves garlic, minced
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. minced fresh ginger
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. sesame seeds
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. soy sauce
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. Asian sesame oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  

Heat the oil in a 12-inch skillet over high heat until shimmering hot. Add the asparagus, mushrooms, and scallions, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the asparagus is just shy of crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds and stir-fry until the garlic and ginger are golden and the asparagus is crisp-tender, about 1 minute more. Add 2 Tbs. water and scrape the bottom of the pan. Stir in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and season to taste with salt.

Spring Risotto with Ramps, Asparagus, and Morels

Ramps, or wild leeks, are one of the fleeting pleasures of early spring. Their pungent, almost spicy garlicky-onion flavor mellows a bit with cooking, and this creamy risotto is the perfect vehicle to show them off, paired with two other spring vegetable stars, morels and asparagus.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup trimmed and roughly chopped ramps
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups asparagus pieces (1 inch)
  
  


• 
  
  7 cups homemade or reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups chopped onion
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  2 cups short-grain risotto rice, such as arborio or carnaroli
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup dried morels, soaked in 2 cups hot water for 30 minutes and cut into 1/4-inch slices (strain and reserve the soaking liquid)
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
  
  


• 
  
  2 to 3 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  

In a medium sauté pan, heat the butter until foaming, then add the ramps and sauté until softened, about 2 minutes. Add the asparagus and sauté another 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside.

Bring the broth almost to a boil in a large pot. Reduce the heat to very low; the broth should stay hot but not simmer.

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a heavy 3- to 4-quart straight-sided sauté pan at least 10 inches wide or in a similar-sized Dutch oven. Add the onion and 1/2 tsp. salt, and cook slowly, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon until softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Add 1/2 cup water, lower the heat to medium low, and continue cooking until the water is completely gone and the onion is soft and glistening but not browned, another 5 to 10 minutes.

Add the rice to the pan and raise the heat to medium. Cook, stirring constantly, to coat the rice with the oil, about 3 minutes. Toasted rice should still be white and glistening, but you should hear a clicking sound when you stir it.

Pour in the wine and cook, stirring constantly, until it’s mostly absorbed, 2 to 3 minutes.

Stir the mushrooms and their soaking liquid into the rice, and cook, stirring, until the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Ladle in 1-1/2 to 2 cups broth to barely cover the rice and stir constantly. Add another 1/2 tsp. salt, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, and keep stirring. When all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is dry enough that your stirring spoon leaves a trail showing the bottom of the pot, ladle in another cup of broth, again stirring until it’s all absorbed. Continue adding broth in 1-cup increments, always stirring, until the rice is nearly but not fully al dente; this is usually 12 to 16 minutes after the first addition of liquid.

When the risotto is a few minutes away from al dente, stir in the sautéed ramps and asparagus.

After you’ve added 5 cups of liquid, (16 to 20 minutes from the first liquid addition), taste the rice to determine if it’s al dente and pleasantly creamy. If it is, remove it immediately from the heat. Otherwise, let it cook a little longer, incorporating more broth. Gently stir in the cheese and parsley and serve immediately.

Asparagus, Ham and Mushroom Strata

Looking for the perfect make-ahead for Easter brunch? You can assemble the strata, which is like an Italian quiche, but instead of a pastry crust, leftover bread forms the egg custard base, up to two days before brunch and bake it just before serving. Trim the bread's crust for a neat and pretty dish, or leave it intact for a heartier texture.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. unsalted butter, more for the pan
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb asparagus, ends snapped off, cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3-1/2 oz. oyster mushrooms (or shiitake or white mushrooms), stemmed and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  6 scallions, trimmed and thinly sliced, white and green parts separated (1/2 cup green, 2 Tbs. white)
  
  


• 
  
  9 large eggs, beaten
  
  


• 
  
  2-3/4 cups milk (preferably whole)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large loaf (about 1 lb.) rustic white bread (like ciabatta), cut into 1-inch cubes
  
  


• 
  
  8 oz. thinly sliced deli ham, cut into 1-inch strips
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups grated extra sharp Cheddar (about 8 oz.)
  
  

Melt the butter in a large (12-inch) skillet over medium-high heat. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the spears start to brown and soften, about 3 minutes. Add the mushrooms and scallion whites and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and cook through, about 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool for a couple of minutes.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish. Whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Spread half the bread in a single layer on the bottom of the baking dish. Top with half the egg mixture and then cover with half the ham, cheese, and asparagus mixture, and sprinkle with half the scallion greens. Repeat with the remaining bread, custard, ham, cheese, asparagus mixture, and scallions. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing down so the bread is completely submerged in the egg mixture, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 2 days before baking.

Put a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 350°F. Let the strata sit at room temperature while the oven heats. Bake until the custard sets and the top browns, about 30 minutes. Loosely cover with foil and bake for another 20 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes, cut into square pieces, and serve.

Mushroom-Asparagus Risotto

Baldo rice is a great pick for this simple springtime risotto because it releases enough starch as it cooks to warrant only frequent—not constant—stirring, making this less labor intensive than most risottos.

• 
  
  7 cups lower-salt chicken or vegetable broth
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/4 cups minced shallots
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. minced garlic
  
  


• 
  
  7 oz. white, cremini, oyster, or portobello mushrooms, stemmed, cleaned, and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  12-1/4 oz. (1-3/4 cups) Turkish baldo rice
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  6 oz. medium asparagus spears (about 10), trimmed and cut on the diagonal into 1-inch pieces (1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1 oz. Pecorino Romano or Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated (1 cup using a rasp grater)
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Put the broth in a 3-quart saucepan, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil over high heat; lower the heat to maintain a simmer.

Heat the oil in a wide, heavy-duty 5- to 6-quart pot over medium-high heat. Add the shallots, lower the heat to medium, and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the mushrooms, raise the heat to high, and cook, stirring frequently, until softened, about 2 minutes. Lower the heat to medium, add the rice, and cook, stirring often, until the rice is lightly toasted, about 3 minutes.

Add the wine and cook, stirring, until most of it is absorbed, about 30 seconds.

Stir about 1-1/2 cups of the simmering broth into the rice. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until most of the broth is absorbed, about 1 minute. Add another 1-1/2 cups broth and cook, stirring frequently, until most of it is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Repeat the process once or twice more, tasting the rice every few minutes after the third broth addition until it’s just shy of firm to the bite but without a crunchy center, about 12 minutes after the first addition of broth.

Stir in the asparagus and 1 cup broth. Cover, lower the heat to the low, and cook until the asparagus is crisp-tender and the rice is tender but with some resistance, about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and fold in the cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and serve right away, sprinkled with black pepper.

Double-Mushroom Meatloaf

Fresh and dried mushrooms make this meatloaf extra delicious. Craving even more mushroom goodness? Pair it with the mushroom gravy. Or create your own customized meatloaf recipe with the Recipe Maker.

• 
  
  2 Tbs. plus 1 tsp. canola or olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup small-diced fresh cremini or button mushrooms
  
  


• 
  
  2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 cup dry sherry
  
  


• 
  
  4 oz. medium-coarse white bread, such as Italian or French, cut into 2-inch pieces (about 2-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup whole milk
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. ground pork
  
  


• 
  
  1 lb. ground veal
  
  


• 
  
  2 large eggs
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup dried mushrooms, rehydrated in hot water and chopped
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh thyme
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh sage
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher Salt
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. ketchup
  
  

Heat 2 Tbs. of the oil in a 10- to 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the onion, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring frequently, until softened and just beginning to brown, 6 to 8 minutes.


Add the sherry, and simmer briskly, until almost dry, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool until warm.


In a shallow dish that holds it in a single layer, soak the bread in the milk, flipping once, until soggy but not falling apart, 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the coarseness and freshness of the bread. Lightly squeeze a handful of bread at a time to remove some of the milk (it should be wet but not drenched). Finely chop and add to the bowl with the onion-mushroom mixture.


Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F.


Add the pork, veal, and eggs to the onion mixture. Scatter the rehydrated dried mushrooms, thyme, and sage over the meat, and then sprinkle with the Worcestershire, 2-1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until just combined; try not to compact the mixture as you do this.


Heat the remaining 1 tsp. of oil in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Form 1 Tbs. of the meatloaf mixture into a small patty. When the oil is hot, cook the patty on both sides until cooked through, about 5 minutes total. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly. Taste and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed. Repeat until you're satisfied with the flavor.


Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment. Transfer the meatloaf mixture to the baking pan and form into a 10x4-inch rectangular block (it becomes loaf-shaped as it cooks). Spread the ketchup over the top and lightly down the sides of the meatloaf to glaze it.


Bake until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F in the center of the meatloaf, 40 to 55 minutes.


Let the meatloaf rest for 10 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board or serving platter with a large spatula and cut into 3/4- to 1-inch-thick slices.

Italian-Style Beef and Porcini Stew

The mushroom-infused broth from soaking dried porcini is incorporated into this hearty beef stew for more of that earthy flavor. Serve with crusty Italian bread for mopping up every last bit of broth.

• 
  
  3 lb. boneless beef shoulder roast, chuck roast, or top blade, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1-1/2- to 2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  2 oz. thick-cut pancetta, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. grapeseed oil or vegetable oil; more as needed
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  2 medium celery stalks, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium carrot, coarsely chopped (about 1/3 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  4 medium cloves garlic, minced
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. tomato paste
  
  


• 
  
  2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms, soaked in 2-1/2 cups warm water until soft, then chopped, soaking liquid reserved and strained
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. minced fresh rosemary
  
  


• 
  
  1 dried bay leaf
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup dry red wine
  
  


• 
  
  3 cups peeled pearl onions
  
  


• 
  
  1 28-oz. can whole tomatoes, drained and chopped (discard juice)
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  
  

Position a rack in the bottom third of the oven and heat the oven to 325°F.

Spread the beef on paper towels to dry for 10 to 20 minutes before browning. (You can use this time to chop the onion, celery, and carrot). If the meat is very wet, pat it dry.

In a 6-quart Dutch oven or other heavy-duty pot, cook the pancetta in the oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until browned but not crisp, 6 to 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pan.

Heat the pancetta fat over medium to medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Season about one-third of the beef with salt and pepper and arrange it in a single layer in the pot (there should be at least 1/2 inch of space between the pieces). Brown well on at least 4 sides, adjusting the heat as necessary; each batch should take about 10 minutes to brown. Transfer the beef to a large bowl or rimmed baking sheet as it browns and repeat with the rest of the beef, seasoning with salt and pepper before browning. Once all of the beef is browned, remove the pot from the heat to let it cool for a few minutes.

Pour all but 2 Tbs. of the fat from the pot. (If there is not enough, add oil to equal 2 Tbs.) Return the pot to medium heat, then add the yellow onion, celery, and carrot. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook, stirring often and scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spatula, until the vegetables begin to soften, 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the garlic, tomato paste, soaked porcini, rosemary, and bay leaf and cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Return the pancetta to the pot.

Add the wine, stirring with the wooden spatula to dissolve any browned bits on the bottom of the pot. Raise the heat to medium high and boil to reduce by about half, 5 to 8 minutes. Add the reserved mushroom soaking liquid. Bring to a boil.

Return the beef to the pot along with any accumulated juice. Lower the heat to maintain a simmer.

Crumple a 12x16-inch piece of parchment, then flatten it out. (Crumpling makes for easy handling.) Place the parchment directly on the surface of the stew, allowing the ends to come up the sides of the pot. Cover and put in the oven.

After 1 hour of stewing, add the pearl onions to the pot. Cover with the parchment and lid, return to the oven. After another 30 minutes, add the tomatoes. Cover with the parchment and lid, return the pot to the oven, and cook until the beef is fork-tender.

Stir in the basil. Degrease the stew by laying a clean paper towel over the surface of the stew and gently pushing it into all the bumps and dips, then quickly peeling it off. Repeat as necessary with more paper towels. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

Corn & Mushroom Sauté with Leeks & Pancetta

• 
  
  2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1-1/2 oz. thinly sliced pancetta (4 to 5 slices)
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup small-diced leeks (white and light-green parts only, from 1 large leek)
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. kosher salt; more to taste
  
  


• 
  
  2 generous cups medium-diced cremini mushrooms (about 6 oz.)
  
  


• 
  
  2 slightly heaping cups fresh corn kernels (from 4 medium ears)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  
  


• 
  
  1 to 2 tsp. coarsely chopped fresh thyme or oregano
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  


• 
  
  One-quarter lemon
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. heavy cream
  
  

Heat 1 Tbs. of the olive oil in a 10-inch straight-sided sauté pan or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the pancetta and cook, turning occasionally with tongs, until light golden and crisp, 5 to 7 min. Transfer the pancetta to a plate lined with paper towels, leaving the fat in the pan.

Increase the heat to medium and carefully add 1 Tbs. of the butter to the fat. When melted, add the leeks and 1/2 tsp. of the salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally and scraping up any browned bits from the pancetta, until the leeks are softened and slightly shrunken, 3 to 5 min. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until lightly browned, 1 to 2 min.

Add another 1 Tbs. of the butter, the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil, the mushrooms, and the remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened and a little shrunken (they will have given off a good bit of liquid), 3 to 4 min. Uncover and cook, stirring frequently, until the liquid evaporates and the mushrooms are lightly browned, 2 to 3 min. (the bottom of the pan will be quite brown).

Add the remaining 1 Tbs. butter and the corn. Cook, stirring frequently and scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon, until the corn is tender but still slightly toothy to the bite, 3 to 4 min. (It will begin to intensify in color, glisten, and be somewhat shrunken in size, and the bottom of the pan will be brown.)

Remove the pan from the heat, add the fresh herbs, a few generous grinds of pepper, and a good squeeze of the lemon. Stir in the heavy cream. Let sit a minute or two and stir again, scraping up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan (moisture released from the vegetables as they sit will loosen the bits). Season to taste with more salt, pepper, or lemon. Crumble the reserved pancetta over top and serve warm.

Broccoflower and Cremini Mushrooms with Garlic and Rosemary

I love the lime-green color and sweet, nutty flavor of Broccoflower (aka green cauliflower), but you can also use white cauliflower in this earthy and fragrant side dish. For the best browning, cut the florets so that they have a flat side.

• 
  
  1 Tbs. sherry vinegar
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. pure maple syrup
  
  


• 
  
  1 tsp. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  1 medium Broccoflower (or cauliflower), cut into 1- to 2-inch florets (about 5 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  10 oz. cremini mushrooms, trimmed and halved if small, quartered if large (about 3 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  10 large cloves garlic, peeled and halved lengthwise
  
  


• 
  
  3 4-inch rosemary sprigs
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  

Combine the vinegar, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Set aside.

In a 12-inch nonstick skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the Broccoflower, mushrooms, garlic, rosemary, and 1 tsp. salt; toss well to coat.

Cover the pan with the lid ajar by about 1 inch. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the florets start to brown, 8 to 10 minutes. As the mixture cooks, you should hear a gentle sizzle.

Uncover, turn the heat down to low, and cook, stirring occasionally and then pushing the vegetables back into a single layer so that most have direct contact with the pan, until the vegetables are tender and well browned, 8 to 10 minutes.

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the vinegar mixture and the butter. Stir gently until the butter has melted. Discard the rosemary sprigs and season to taste with more lemon juice and salt. Serve right away or let sit off the heat, partially covered, until ready to serve, and then reheat gently over medium-low heat.

Duxelles

Duxelles is a mixture of finely chopped mushrooms, shallots, and sometimes herbs that is cooked slowly in butter until it becomes thick. The Duxelles here is used as a filling for Potato Pancakes (Latkes).

• 
  
  6 oz. white button mushrooms, cleaned and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  10 oz. shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and discarded, caps cleaned and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  2 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  4 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 tsp. kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Tip:

Mushrooms are 90% water; the long, slow cooking of duxelles will evaporate the water and concentrate the mushroom flavor. Save any leftover duxelles in the freezer—it’s great in omelets, stuffed under the skin of a roasted chicken, or stuffed in baby squash or cherry tomatoes.

Put the mushrooms and shallots in a food processor fitted with the chopping blade. Pulse until finely chopped. The mushrooms and shallots should be in about 1/8-inch pieces—don’t overprocess.

Melt the butter in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the mushroom mixture, salt, and pepper and cook, stirring. When the mushrooms begin to release their moisture, turn the heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and the duxelles look dry, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Wild Mushrooms and Cream

If you’re used to simple steamed or boiled sprouts, this rich, luxurious side dish will be a delicious surprise. It’s equally at home at a casual dinner (serve with a simple pan-seared steak) or a fancy Thanksgiving feast.
For more side dish recipes visit The Guide to Thanksgiving Dinner.

• 
  
  1-1/2 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved lengthwise (5 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  5 Tbs. olive oil
  
  


• 
  
  Kosher salt
  
  


• 
  
  3 Tbs. unsalted butter
  
  


• 
  
  3/4 lb. wild mushrooms, such as chanterelles or hedgehogs, halved if small or cut into 1-inch wedges (about 4-1/2 cups)
  
  


• 
  
  1 large shallot, thinly sliced (1/2 cup)
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup dry white wine
  
  


• 
  
  1 cup heavy cream
  
  


• 
  
  Freshly ground black pepper
  
  

Position a rack in the center of the oven and heat the oven to 450°F.


Put the Brussels sprouts on a rimmed baking sheet, and drizzle with 3 Tbs. of the olive oil; toss to coat. Spread the Brussels sprouts in an even layer and season generously with salt. Roast until tender and browned, about 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.


Heat a 12-inch skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot, add 1 Tbs. of the olive oil and 2 Tbs. of the butter. When the butter has melted, add the mushrooms in an even layer, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are golden-brown and tender and the mushroom liquid (if any) has evaporated, 5 to 8 minutes. Season to taste with salt and transfer to a plate.

Set the skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1 Tbs. olive oil and 1 Tbs. butter. When the butter has melted, add the shallot, season with a pinch of salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender and golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the wine and cook until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Return the mushrooms to the pan and add the Brussels sprouts and cream. Stir in a few grinds of pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream thickens and coats the vegetables nicely, 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Broccoli & Shiitake Stir-Fry with Black Bean Sauce

Dried shiitake mushrooms add an almost “meaty” flavor to this vegetarian version of a Chinese take-out classic.

• 
  
  6 dried shiitake mushrooms, reconstituted in 1 cup boiling water for 20 minutes
  
  


• 
  
  1/4 cup black bean garlic sauce (such as Lee Kum Kee brand)
  
  


• 
  
  2 Tbs. Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or dry sherry
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. cornstarch
  
  


• 
  
  2 tsp. Asian chile sauce or paste
  
  


• 
  
  1 Tbs. vegetable oil
  
  


• 
  
  4 tsp. minced fresh ginger
  
  


• 
  
  2 lb. broccoli, crowns cut into florets, stems peeled and thinly sliced
  
  


• 
  
  1/2 cup toasted cashews, coarsely chopped
  
  

Drain the mushrooms, reserving 2/3 cup of the soaking liquid. Discard the stems and thinly slice the caps. In a small bowl, combine the reserved mushroom soaking liquid and the black bean sauce, wine, cornstarch, and chile sauce. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch and set aside.


Heat the vegetable oil in a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, 15 seconds. Add the broccoli and 1/4 cup water, cover, and steam until the broccoli is just tender, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the black bean sauce mixture and the mushrooms and cook until the sauce is thick and bubbly, about 1 minute. Add the cashews and toss to combine. Serve with steamed rice.